The tech world never stands still, and keeping up with the most valuable skills can really pay off. Companies are constantly on the hunt for developers who know the latest tools and technologies, and they're willing to pay top dollar for the right talent. We analyzed over 16,000 tech job postings from Dice to uncover salary trends for software-related skills in major US cities.
Let's take a look at which skills are bringing in the highest salaries today, where the best-paying jobs are located, and what you can do to get ahead in this fast-moving industry.
- Natural language processing (NLP) skills offer the highest average salary ($160,284).
- Remote software jobs pay the most, averaging $135,930, nearly 4% higher than on-site roles and 5% more than hybrid setups.
- New York, NY, offers the highest average salary for software skills ($154,291).
- California dominates with cities like San Francisco ($151,459), Oakland ($151,201), San Jose ($143,859), Long Beach ($136,027), and Los Angeles ($134,685) offering some of the high average salaries for software skills.
Aligning your software skills with what's in demand can help you stay competitive in the tech industry. We filtered job postings for specific software-related skills to determine which ones command the highest salaries.
Natural language processing (NLP) led the pack with an impressive average salary of $160,284. This finding demonstrates the surging demand for expertise in AI-powered language technologies, likely driven by advancements in tools like virtual assistants, chatbots, and automated translators. Machine learning and data science followed closely, commanding average salaries of $152,677 and $152,406, respectively.
Cloud and container technologies, including Kubernetes ($143,492) and AWS ($143,012), also emerged as top earners. These skills reflect the growing importance of cloud-native solutions, which have become foundational in modern software development and infrastructure management.
Location can significantly influence the salary potential for software professionals. Here are the cities and types of jobs offering top pay for in-demand software skills, along with emerging trends in established tech hubs and growing markets.
New York, NY, stood out as the most lucrative city for software professionals, with an average salary of $154,291. California also claimed its spot as a salary leader, boasting high-paying cities such as San Francisco ($151,459), Oakland ($151,201), San Jose ($143,859), Long Beach ($136,027), and Los Angeles ($134,685).
Secondary markets like Denver, CO ($133,953) and Austin, TX ($132,220) also offered impressive salaries, showing tech opportunities beyond traditional hubs. Beyond city-level salaries, we found that remote roles averaged the highest pay at $135,930—nearly 4% more than on-site roles and 5% higher than hybrid setups.
Below are the top three highest-paying cities for each software skill.
Tip for Software Professionals
Staying competitive in the fast-paced tech industry requires continuous learning and skill enhancement. Here are some actionable tips to help you align with the industry's most sought-after expertise.
- Master core programming languages: Focus on versatile languages like Python, Java, and C++, which are essential for AI, web development, and enterprise applications.
- Gain cloud expertise: Learn to work with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Certifications can boost credibility.
- Deep dive into AI and machine learning: Enroll in courses to build expertise in AI/ML and create systems that learn and adapt.
- Master cybersecurity: Develop skills in ethical hacking, penetration testing, and network security. Certifications like a CISSP are highly valued.
- Enhance DevOps skills: Familiarize yourself with tools like Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, and Ansible. Focus on automating continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines for improved efficiency.
- Build expertise in data science: Learn data analysis tools like SQL, R, and Python, and use visualization tools. Consider acquiring professional data science certifications.
- Upskill with practical projects: Apply your skills by contributing to open-source projects or developing your own.
Position Yourself for Success in 2025
Success in tech isn't just about keeping up—it's about staying ahead. By strategically investing in the right skills and keeping an eye on where the industry is heading, you can position yourself for exceptional opportunities. The most successful professionals in 2025 will be those who combine mastery of in-demand technical skills with the ability to adapt as new technologies emerge. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to level up your career, now is the time to begin building the expertise that will shape the future of technology.
Methodology
We collected over 16,000 job postings from Dice to identify salary trends for various software skills in the most populous US cities. We filtered job listings by the following keywords: AI, Apache Spark, C++, Cybersecurity, data science, Java, JavaScript, Kubernetes, machine learning, NLP, Node.js, Python, React.js, and SQL. If salaries were given as a range, the average was taken. For jobs with hourly rates, we multiplied the wages by 2,080 to approximate annual pay.
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